Antigua's National Public Library reopens

Author: Kadeem Joseph
Title: Library opens again
Date published: September 1, 2014  
Source: The Daily Observer Ltd.
URL: http://antiguaobserver.com/library-opens-again/



Abstract:
The article announces the reopening of the National Public Library of Antigua. The Director of the Public Library, Ryllis Mannix, is further reported as indicating that while the library is opened for access to books for research purposes, the library operations are being hampered by inoperable computers systems to support the circulation process. The article also reports Mannix as outlining some of the other challenges that the library faced in getting ready for reopening. The article further provides information pertaining to the new facility and the services that the library offers, as well as it opening hours.






Excerpt:
After waiting decades, the public can now access the National Public Library, which will be officially opened today, albeit limitedly.


Director of the Public Library Ryllis Mannix told OBSERVER media while the library will not be “100 percent operational,” the public would be able to, at least, access books for research purposes.
Since the automated borrow-and-return system is not yet working, Mannix said her team is working towards creating a manual record keeping process, in order to enable loaning of books to the public.
Library officials are hoping to establish a manual record keeping process, in lieu of the computer system, which they hope will be functional as early as today.


The 70 to 80 computer systems for public use are still not operational, however, the library chief said technicians are working to address these issues soonest.

Event to encourage donations for the National Library of Jamaica's sound collection

Title: Local Artistes Encouraged To Donate To Library
Date published: Thursday, October 25, 2012
Source: Jamaica Gleaner

URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20121025/ent/ent5.html

Abstract:
Article reports on efforts by the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) to host an event to encourage local artistes to donate to building the library's sound collection. Also mentioned is the Legal Deposit Act that came into existence and its influence in developing the library's CD collection.

Excerpt:

"The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) plans to present Legalise It, a collaborative effort with Teddy Laidley Productions on Friday. 

Legalise It seeks to encourage local artistes to build a sound collection at the National Library of Jamaica by making legal deposits to the library."

Barbados library service needs more personnel

Author: Khalil Goodman
Title: Island’s library service needs more personnel
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date Published: October 22, 2009
URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=6863

Abstract:
This article outlines the plight and plans for personnel to staff the Barbados National Library Service. The Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service outlines that the need for more personnel is required to aid the Library service in its expansion of services to nation.

Information is also divulged about the Tamarind Hall Branch Library, and the services that it expected to deliver to the community.

The Minister of Community Development and Culture is also cited as outlining his vision for the National Library service in its upgrading of its services. The Minister also agrees with the need for emphasis on meeting the manpower and human resource need to the library's success in offering new services. He highlights several human resource development plans for the Barbados National Library Service towards achieving this.




Excerpt:

The Barbados Library Service has continued to expand its range of services to meet the Barbadian public’s needs in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the service needs more staff so that these services can be provided consistently.

“Presently we have 38 posts and we need additional staff to help provide services more efficiently,” said Evonda Callendar, Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service.
She spoke to the Barbados Advocate after the opening of the Tamarind Hall Branch Library in St. Joseph, at the Eric Holder Municipal Complex. This branch brings the number of libraries of the service to eight.

National Library of Guyana's readers competition finals

Author: Vanessa Narine

Title: 62 in National Library’s readers competition finals

Source: Guyana Chronicle Online

Date Published: Monday, 10 August 2009

URL: http://guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4568:62-in-national-librarys-readers-competition-finals&catid=2:news&Itemid=3#Scene_1

Abstract:

The article reports on the National Library of Guyana's reading competition. According to the article, a total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition. Some of these participants speak about their experiences in the competition and the personal gains that resulted from competing in the programme. Among the gains of participation in the competition is the new exposure that it gave participants to books and the world of literature.

The perspective of the judges is also represented, giving another perspective as to expected or intended outcomes of the competition. Also captured is background information about the event, including the theme of the competition, the dates of the competition, its prizes and the age range of competitors.

The library's perspective is also covered, as more than one library personnel suggest goals of the programme. One of the primary goals that Ms. Jillian Thompson (the Chief librarian) pointed out is that the competition aims to promote literacy in Guyana. Other goals are also stated.


Excerpt:

A total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition, Friday, an experience they lauded as one that helped them to look with new eyes at books and the world of literature.


The competition is one of the many events of the National Library’s centenary celebrations, held under the theme ‘Empowering the Nation through literacy’.

Chief Librarian Ms. Jillian Thompson pointed out that the promotion of literacy in Guyana was primary in the list of objectives that the competition sought to achieve.


Among the other objectives of the Champion Readers’ Competition was the need to:


* Encourage reading as a stimulating past-time among children and young adults;


* Stimulate a thirst for information through the printed medium;


* Nurture a lifelong love for reading; and


* Develop reading and comprehension skills of participants.

Drop in the Usage of Libraries by theTrinidad and Tobago Public

Author: Akile Simon

Title: $144m spent on libraries in past year...Nalis laments drop in usage by public


Source: Trinidad and Tobago

Date Published: 16 July 2009

URL: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/07/16/nalis-laments-drop-usage-public

Abstract:

The article reports on a speech given by the executive director of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) of Trinidad and Tobago, Annette Wallace. In her speech, Wallace discloses the the amount spent on libraries by the body (NALIS). Wallace also discloses the results of a survey that despite the expenditure on libraries, public usage of the services have dropped. The article also reveal a particular finding about the perception of nonusers of the library and the future plans for the development of libraries in Trinidad and Tobago. The Information Minister, Neil Parsanlal, also spoke, affirming the Government's support of NALIS in further advancing the nation's mission of developing its human capital through public access to information.

The article also discloses that the speeches by Wallace and Parsanlal were given at the opening ceremony of the Arima Public Library on Pro Queen Street in Arima.

Excerpt:

The National Library and Information Systems Authority (Nalis) has dished out a service to the public at a value of more than $144 million for the last fiscal year.

But a survey conducted revealed there was a decline in the usage at public libraries. This disclosure was made by Nalis’ executive director Annette Wallace on Tuesday, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Arima Public Library on Pro Queen Street in Arima.

Session on Journalism a hit at NALIS Reading Camp

Author: Christopher Boyack

Title: Guardian’s Keithos, Loubon make a hit at Nalis camp

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Date Published: 23 Jul 2009


URL: http://guardian.co.tt/news/life/2009/07/23/guardian-s-keithos-loubon-make-hit-nalis-camp

Abstract:
The article reports on a particular interactive session at the Nalis Vacation Reading Programme Camp. The particular part of the programme in the report is that of two Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspaper staff members conducting a session on journalism for the children at the camp. The article gives a synopsis of what the session was like, indicating that the children participated in activities such as giving ideas for cartoons on current political leaders, defining who is a journalist and answering questions on current affairs. The article also reports on one of the presenters giving a promotion on the importance of reading.

Information in the report also sparsely talks about the entire camp programme. Mentioned is the fact that the camp is a four-week camp. This year it opened on July 13 and will end on August 7. The report also mentions about the demographic composition of camp participants as well as the theme of the camp.

Excerpt:

Guardian senior reporter Michelle Loubon and cartoonist Keith Anderson conducted an interactive session on journalism for children attending the Vacation Reading Programme Camp at Nalis Library, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain...

The theme of the camp is I’ve Got the Power. The children aged from seven to 12. In his avuncular manner, Anderson communicated well with the 47 children drawn from primary schools in Port-of-Spain. Armed with his crayons and pencils, he tapped into the children’s knowledge on political protagonists like Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday for the cartoon.

National Library looking to expand current services

Author: Narine, Vanessa
Title: National Library looking to expand current services
Source: Guyana Chronicle Online
Date Published: Thursday, 14 May 2009 13:58
URL:
http://guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1547:national-library-looking-to-expand-current-services&catid=2:news&Itemid=3

Abstract:
The article reports on the current services offered by the National Library of Guyana which include photocopying, reference, music, bookmobile, prison outreach, inter-library loans, conference accommodation, Internet and telephone inquiries.
The article also reports on the library's plans for further expansion in service offerings, and in particularly, the expansion of the computer facilities.

Information is also given about the Library's celebration of its centenary with events including book exhibitions and school tours, a photographic display, and the Champion Reader Competition.

Additional information about the Children library services offered in the National Library is also given. In this report, the views of some of the children users are given, and the information provided reveals satisfaction with and the successful implementation of the library's children services and outreach.



Excerpt:

CHIEF Librarian Jillian Thompson has reminded that the National Library caters for all needs and ages and is looking to expand its services.

It presently provides photocopying, reference, music, bookmobile, prison outreach, inter-library loans, conference accommodation, Internet and telephone inquiries, apart from books lending.

Historical perspective of the National Library of Guyana

Author: Gwyneth George and Gillian Thompson

Title: Celebrating 100 years of public library service: a historical perspective of the National Library of Guyana

Source: Stabroek News

Date Published: May 14, 2009

URL: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/features/05/14/history-this-week-38/

Abstract:
The article provides information about the role and work of the National Library of Guyana, which also serves as the public library for Guyana. Also covered are some historical milestones and key developments in the role and work of the National Library as well as some of the challenges faced.



Excerpt

This is the second article in a two-part series that gives a historical perspective of the development of the Public Library Service in Guyana. The first installment looked at the emergence and development of the public library service in Guyana up to 1959. This article will discuss the rural library service, the library as a social and cultural entity, library education, the work of the Public/National Library service as embodied in the Act of 1972 and the challenges facing the National Library as it celebrates 100 years of service to the Guyanese community.

B'dos Librarian calls for more local writing in sports

Title: Bajans told: Write more
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date: February 08, 2009

URL: http://tinyurl.com/c9q766

Excerpt from source:

THERE IS A NEED for more Barbadians to write on their experiences, especially in the area of sport.

This point was made by Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service, at a presentation of the book Called To Serve - Memoirs Of A Table Tennis Champion and written by Pat Quintyne Hildebrand, to the national library on Thursday.

Abstract:
Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service called for the nation to produce more indigenous writing in the area of sports. This article reports on her call for the need to enrich the social history of Barbados with the writings of locals.

Information is also given about the event in which the Librarian made her request, at a book deposit to the National Library in fulfillment of the requirements of the Legal Deposit Act.